Profiles
Dixieland Express
Clem Meehan
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Founder and leader
Trumpeter and vocalist, Clem is a regular performer at the 'St Helens Jazz Festivals', 'Clarence Jazz Festivals', 'Devonport Jazz in July' and augments 'Viktor Zappner's All Stars Jazzband' and the Launceston based 'Jazzmanians'. He is also a long time member of the 'Clarence City Concert Band'. In 1998, Clem was presented with a 'Satchmo' award at St Helens for his contribution to Tasmanian Jazz. He is father of blues singer, Kate Meehan who is currently performing at major blues festivals around Australia with her partner, Skip Landy.
Music has always been in Clem's blood. His late father, Clem (senior) was a lifelong dedicated bandsman and bandmaster of the 'Queenstown Silver Band' for close to 30 years and in his later years, bandmaster of the 'Penguin Brass Band'.
John Broadby
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John first became interested in jazz when, as a teenager, he frequented Hobart's 7HT Theatrette in the early 50's where the Tom Pickering jazz band played, never dreaming that in the ensuing years he would be playing with most members of that great band. In 1972 he was a member of the Roly Eaton Big Band that toured all the Australian capital cities publicising the opening of the Wrest Point Casino. In more recent years he has been in great demand as a reeds player and pianist. He has performed with such well known Australian jazz identities as the late Tom Baker, Bob Barnard, Paul Furniss, Geoff Power, Eric Holroyd, George Washingmachine and Dan Barnett.
John is a foundation member of Dixieland Express and also a keen member of the Clarence City Concert Band.
At the 2002 Suncoast Jazz Festival John was presented with the Satchmo Award in appreciation of his contribution to Tasmanian jazz.
Fred Newman with Paul Martin (Trombone)
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Unfortunately, due to ill-health, Fred has had to retire from the band after 17.5 years of loyal and dedicated service to Dixieland Express. We all thank you Fred and wish you & Mary the very best in your retirement.
Fred was a foundation member of the band and was widely recognized as the best 'Banjoist' in Tasmania and one of the best in Australia. He had an incredible memory for chords and rarely did he have to refer to chord charts whilst playing with the group.
Ken
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Ken plays bass and sings. He is one of the foundation members of Dixieland Express and plays with several other jazz ensembles in Hobart. Ken joins Clem in duo vocals.
Terry Patterson
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Terry started playing drums when he was 12 years old. He is heavily involved in the jazz scene and attends all the festivals in Tasmania as well as several on the mainland. Terry was awarded a Satchmo award at St Helens in 2004 for his contribution to Tasmanian jazz. He is currently a casual presenter with 92FM "Contrasts in Classis Jazz" and enjoys sharing his large collection of jazz recordings with his listeners.
He is also a long serving member of the Tasmanian Police Pipe Band and has attended the Edinburgh Tattoo in Scotland on two occasions.
Neil Levis
(Mr Magic)
Neil is perhaps the most creative & versatile jazz pianists that we have in this state. He is just as happy being part of a six or seven piece ensemble as he is as an accompanist for many very well known vocalists and front line musicians. Neil is well known at many of the mainland jazz festivals, having attended Brisbane, Dubbo, Bellingen, St Helens, Devonport and many others.
Besides being such an excellent pianist, he also plays a mean valve trombone. Neil has played with & backed many world class artists in the past and has the ability to combine bass keyboard with his left hand and piano with the right. (see what I mean about being versatile?)